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Department of Finance of Canada:Harper Government Supports Canadian Families With Expanded Adoption Tax Credit

Department of Finance of Canada: Harper Government Supports Canadian Families With Expanded Adoption Expense Tax Credit
Ottawa, June 6, 2013

The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance) and Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, today highlighted the expanded Adoption Expense Tax Credit detailed in Economic Action Plan 2013.

"Our Government is committed to supporting Canadian families. As a parent and a grandparent, I believe there is no higher calling than that of raising a child, and no greater reward,said Minister Menzies. "Canadians who have children deserve our Government's full support, particularly when it comes to recognizing some of the additional costs borne by adoptive parents."

It is estimated that 2,000 children are adopted from within Canada every year. Yet, 30,000 children in the care of child welfare agencies across Canada are waiting to be adopted. That is why the Harper Government is expanding the Adoption Expense Tax Credit so that more adoption-related expenses are eligible under the credit.

The period during which parents are able to claim certain expenses will be extended. This will enable parents to claim initial costs that were not previously eligible-such as the fees for provincially required home studies and mandatory adoption courses-because they were incurred prior to when the child was matched with their adoptive family.

"I know from personal experience that the makeup of a family is as unique and diverse as Canadians themselves, and that adoption plays an incredible role in enriching families like mine,said MP Watson. "Adoption is a time-consuming and often costly process, however, and the support of this Government is truly meaningful to Canadian families who opt to take this path."

Laura Eggertson, President of the Adoption Council of Canada, thanked the federal government for improving the tax credit to better assist more adoptive families. "We welcome any initiative that helps families adopt, particularly from foster care, and we think the tax credit changes are the first step to helping more Canadians build their families through adoption."

"Families truly are the building blocks of our country,concluded Minister Menzies. "Strong families mean strong communities, which translates directly into a stronger and more prosperous country.

For further information, media may contact:
Bram Sepers
Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Finance)
613-996-7861